Aolmrd1241: to add more details, with the Directstream, hi-res and CD quality recording sounded pretty much the same, heck even AAC and lossless sounded pretty much the same. Flat and thin.
On the DAC2, hi-res sounded "better" than cd quality. The most obvious is the increased resolution of complex splash sound.
With that said, I am not recommending the DAC2, it is just a point of comparison. The DAC2 also has a hint on thinness to it, just nowhere near the thinness of the Directstream.
The R2R NOS Metrum DAC on the other hand, even in it's broken state, sounded natural, and wonderful, and unlike anything I've ever heard before. I should have it back in a few weeks time, then I can comment more.
On the DAC2, hi-res sounded "better" than cd quality. The most obvious is the increased resolution of complex splash sound.
With that said, I am not recommending the DAC2, it is just a point of comparison. The DAC2 also has a hint on thinness to it, just nowhere near the thinness of the Directstream.
The R2R NOS Metrum DAC on the other hand, even in it's broken state, sounded natural, and wonderful, and unlike anything I've ever heard before. I should have it back in a few weeks time, then I can comment more.